Flatlands Dentist

Deciding what filling material to use to treat dental decay is a choice that needs to be made by you and your dentist. Our Flatlands dentist, Abraham Esses, DDS, does his best to give you as much information as possible so you can make educated decisions and choices pertaining to your dental fillings. As the least expensive type of filling material, amalgam dental fillings are also long-lasting and durable, and much less likely to break than other types of fillings. Our Flatlands dentist also knows that some patients are concerned about the risks involved with the mercury content in amalgam dental fillings and realistically deals with those concerns.

11229 Dental Fillings

The FDA has thoroughly reviewed the best and most current scientific evidence to determine whether the low levels of mercury vapor linked to dental amalgam fillings should be cause for concern. Based on all the evidence, the FDA has determined that amalgam dental fillings are safe for adults and children ages 6 and up. Our Flatlands dentist shares with our patients that the amount of mercury calculated in the bodies of people with amalgam dental fillings is well below any levels that are linked to harmful health effects. Clinical studies in adults, and children ages 6 and up, found no association with amalgam dental fillings and health problems.

Dental amalgam fillings are used by our Flatlands dentist to fill cavities caused by tooth decay. Being a mixture of metals, dental amalgam is made up of liquid mercury and a powdered alloy composed of copper, tin, and silver. Referred to as “silver fillings”, amalgam dental fillings have been used for more than 150 years in hundreds of millions of patients. Our dentist first drills the tooth to remove the decay before shaping the cavity of your tooth for proper placement of the amalgam filling. Our Flatlands dentist will next mix the powdered alloy with the liquid mercury to form an amalgam putty, staying within all the proper safety guidelines. This softened amalgam putty will then be placed inside the prepared cavity, which will harden into a solid filling.